So who can find me a dress for a ball (yes Cinderella you shall go)

[Clary]

I am going to a black tie event next month and I have suddenly reaslied that it is really soon.

Of course I have nothing at all suitable to wear.

So, if any style gurus dare venture out in the wake of the Franny skirt debacle, I would appreciate your help.

I don't really want black, as I have eliminated it from my wardrobe and don't think it suits me. Plus everyone will be wearing black. I am a size 12-ish (if generous) but it must be possible to wear a bra with the dress, I cannot emphasise this enough. So no skinny straps or backless styles, however alluring. Although strapless if well upholstered might work.

Ideally I would like to try it on and can find most shops locally or witha trip afield. When I say "ball", it's a school black tie do, so not long frilly ballgowns really. Actually I'm not at all sure what people do wear to black tie dos now. Had a look at Hobbs website and the dresses there seemed a bit, well, cocktaily, but maybe that's what I'm aiming for.

The budget is not high but I guess I could stretch to £150 if I really loved the dress.
TIA
Cxx

i got a beutiful dress off asos for a ball,but strapless as i have no boobs to hold in.there was some nice dresses on there though and cheap.

have you a good strapless bra?

also important to know if the occasion is long or short - sounds like short would be ok but this can be more demanding with respect to footwear and state of legs so I tend do go for long.

Oh crikey have no idea re long or short. It's black tie, doesn't that tell us? Not biiiiig flouncy ballgowns I wouldn't think, but long or\ short could be good.

Forgot to say that have no shoes unless cream pointy slingbacks from last summer can be pressed into service....

oh, and I confess I consider Hobbs daywear, even their occasion stuff. Smacks of wedding rather than black tie to me.

You may do well in the Monsoon sale - this shape can look fabulous on the voluptuous.

No starpless bra btw but could purchase one I s'pose

at spiralling costs of do

aha, if long should be slinky rather than full, gotcha.

Mrs B that monsoon dress is gorge feel a shoppign trip coming on right now! Would that be black tie-ish enough?

oh yes, with silver party sandals (cheap ones o so long as comfy, I favour Dorothy Perkins or New Look) and spangly earrings

This has a boned bodice, so, although strapless, might work.
Dark red ,
and the same in pink ? Any of those take your fancy?

Ooooh
quite excited now.
£75 not a bad price either. Could afford new sandals too

oh Jackie I like that red one as well, very glam isn't it.

(could hardly be pressed into service for any other occasion tho, unlike the shorter ones....)

Right have to go an d work now but will check back later, more ideas welcome!

Bit pricey but nice?

And at the other end of the price spectrum...

Bit too short, I suspect
This is similar .

don't think it's too short Jackie, it is 'a school black tie do' so I think cocktail length would be fine.
love the last red one

This one is also similar, but longer .

Pretty, but a bit weddingy?
Also lovely, but maybe looks a bit like a nightie? (and best with a tan, I suspect)

YOu'd have to have no lumps or bumps to get away with this one .
Here's the full length version of that green and cream one.

This could be glam .
And one last suggestion .

Phew! That's it - I'm all linked out.

try cvoast i got a fba balck one v neck form there

yes tere are lots on coast
cant link to site as its all flash

also lot son ebay

Fabuloso ideas ladies.

Will go and have a look in Debenhams and Monsoon, Am especially liking that red one for £100. So gorge!

Also Littlewoods, bargainous, like that red one there too. Excellent.

Hope you find something.

Debacle? DEBACLE???

I am the Style Shop's most loyal customer

Debacle indeed